Scott Nishimoto
District 5 Councilmember
Current Term: 2025-2029
Pālolo Valley, St. Louis Heights, Mānoa, Mōʻiliʻili, McCully, Ala Moana, Makiki, and portions of Kakaʻako.
Get to know Scott.
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Education
• Juris Doctor, University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law
• BA Sociology, University of Hawaii at Manoa
• Mid Pacific Institute
• St. Louis School
• Manoa Elementary
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Boards and Community Organizations
• Kapahulu-Moiliili Lions Club (Member)
• Diamond Head Lions Club (Member)
• UH College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association (Board Member)
• Diamond Head Theatre (Community Advisory Board Member)
• Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies (APAICS) (Board of Directors Member)
• Reforming States Group of the Milbank Memorial Foundation (Steering Committee Member)
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Selected Honors and Achievements
• 2024: Champion of Agriculture (Hawaii Farm Bureau)
• 2024: Legislator of the Year (The Hawaii Food Industry Association)
• 2019: Legislator of the Year (Friends of the Library of Hawaii)
• 2018: Legislators of the Year (Healthcare Association of Hawaii)
• 2016: Dean's Alumnus of the Year (UH William S. Richardson School of Law)
• 2013: Trailblazer Award (Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies)
• 2012: Patrick Henry Award (National Guard Association of the United States)
• 1996: Student Body President (University of Hawaii at Manoa)
Scott Y. Nishimoto is a dedicated public servant and community leader. As a long-time Hawaii State Representative, Scott brings over two decades of legislative experience to his new role as a member of the Honolulu City Council. His transition to the Honolulu City Council represents a continuation of his life-long dedication to serving the people of Hawaii.
Born in Honolulu, Scott attended Manoa Elementary School, St. Louis School, and graduated high school from Mid-Pacific Institute. While earning his Bachelors in Sociology at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, he served as the Student Body President. Thereafter, Scott attended the William S. Richardson School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor in 2002. Before holding public office, Scott worked as a staff member in the Washington, D.C. office of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye.
In 2002, Scott began his career as a strong and effective voice in the State Legislature. Over his 22 years of service in the legislature, Scott served as Chair of House Judiciary, Chair of Higher Education, Chair of Legislative Management, Chair of the Subcommittee on Grants-in-Aid, Vice Chair of the House Finance, and Chair of the Subcommittee on Capital Improvement Projects.
Over the years, Scott has been recognized for his commitment to serving the community. Scott was awarded the Dean's Alumnus of the Year by the UH William S. Richardson School of Law for his dedication to public service. He was also recognized as a Legislator of the Year by the Healthcare Association of Hawaii, as well as Legislator of the Year by the Friends of the Library of Hawaii. The National Guard Association of the United States awarded Scott the Patrick Henry Award, which recognizes local officials and civic leaders who have shown outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed Forces or National Guard. He also has the distinction of being honored with the Trailblazer Award by The Asian Pacific American Institute of Congressional Studies. Most recently, Hawaii Farm Bureau named Scott their Champion of Agriculture, and The Hawaii Food Industry Association awarded Scott with their Legislator of the Year award for his commitment to uplifting local farmers and supporting a sustainable future for Hawaii’s agriculture.
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Get in Touch
Council District 5 Office
(808) 768-5005
scott.nishimoto@honolulu.gov
Councilmember Nishimoto and his staff.





Current Term
2025-2029
Serving Since
Jan. 2, 2025
Committees
International & Legal Affairs, Chair
Executive Management, Vice-Chair
Public Safety & Customer Services
Innovation, Technology & Entertainment
Parks
Expenditure Reports
Travel Reports
Councilmember Travel
Event Date
Staff Travel
Event Name Date